Learn about Canada's Health Care System

You may be aware that Canada offers free healthcare for all its citizens, which is uncommon in many countries. Medicare is the publicly funded health care system in Canada. According to the Canadian government, 13 provincial and territorial healthcare insurance plans. In this case, the system provides reasonable access to hospital and physician services without paying right away. Provinces, territories, and federal governments are responsible for these services.

Check the main features of Canada’s health care system.

The Five Principles of Medicare

Medicare established the universality of coverage. In other words, all provinces need to cover 100 percent of hospital and physician services. The portability of coverage is another principle indicating that provinces must finance the care of their residents in other regions at an adequate rate. They should also support residents outside Canada at appropriate rates pertinent to the home province. The third principle states that services must be reasonably accessible. Provinces must ensure that financial charges or other barriers don’t block access to healthcare. In this case, health professionals should also receive a reasonable salary. The fourth principle says that provinces must supply all necessary services patients need. Still, some services, such as home care, dental services, and others, aren’t covered by providers. The final principle relates to public administration. Provinces must manage the health insurance programs or trust a body accountable to the government.

Accessing Health Care Services

Canadians turn to primary health care services as a first contact with the national health system. In this case, primary care provides first-contact health care, coordinates the patients’ services through care from diagnosis to recovery, and helps whenever more specialized services are needed. In addition, provinces and territories offer supplemental coverage for some groups such as children, seniors, and social assistance patients. This situation helps pay for healthcare services usually not covered under the Canadian healthcare system, including vision and dental care, prescription medication, ambulance, and home care. People who don’t qualify for these services must pay for the service after it finishes or through private health insurance plans.

Mental illness within the healthcare system

Canada recognizes mental illness as a serious problem because it impacts one in every five Canadian residents (around 6.7 million people). According to national data, half a million Canadians can’t go to work every week due to mental illness. As plenty of citizens struggle with this issue, Canada has introduced it as a relevant feature to treat within its healthcare system. It’s considered a medical condition, and the insurance covers it through psychiatric care. Regardless of medical history or income, all Canadians have access to this medical service. Mental well-being is in front of Canada’s goals.

Cancer in Canada

Cancer is the number one cause of death in Canada. According to the latest studies, one in two Canadians will develop cancer at some point in their lives, and one in four Canadians will die from this disease. Lung, breast, and prostate cancer are the main illnesses affecting the majority of the Canadian population. Lung cancer has reached 24.5% of the death toll in 2020. Although you can treat your cancer through the national healthcare systems, citizens should be more aware of the disease.

Canada ETA

Now that you know all the benefits of the healthcare system in Canada, you may want to see it for yourself. Travel to Canada and explore its public services and explore its incredible tourist attractions. According to your nationality, you may only be eligible for the [Canada ETA], an electronic authorization available for anybody who doesn’t require a visa to travel to Canada. Luckily, you don’t have to visit an embassy or consulate to get this type of document because it’s available online. No longer need to manage paperwork or make big lines to wait for an interview. Obtaining the ETA is simple. You only need an internet connection and the **iVisa.com** platform. Complete an online form with your details, provide your passport information and let the platform process your application. You will receive an email with the digital document. The electronic authorization has a maximum validity of 5 years. It’s time to check the possibilities of visiting Canada. Travel now!

Categories: Health

Nicolas Desjardins

Hello everyone, I am the main writer for SIND Canada. I've been writing articles for more than 12 years and I like sharing my knowledge. I'm currently writing for many websites and newspapers. I always keep myself very informed to give you the best information. All my years as a computer scientist made me become an incredible researcher. You can contact me on our forum or by email at [email protected].